Raja Ampat Promoted as World-Class Diving Paradise to Australian Tourists

At the western tip of Papua, a cluster of karst islands seemingly emerging from turquoise blue-green waters has once again captured global attention. The Ministry of Tourism is promoting Raja Ampat as a premium destination for Australian tourists—a market known for being critical, experienced, and always hunting for the planet's best dive spots.

"Given Raja Ampat is a premium destination, sustainability aspects must be the top priority to maintain the quality and preservation of its underwater ecosystem," said Deputy Minister for Marketing Ni Made Ayu Marthini in Jakarta on Thursday, December 4, 2025.

As the heart of Indonesia's marine conservation, Raja Ampat isn't just a diving location but also home to thousands of species found nowhere else.

Diving in the Heart of the World's Megabiodiversity

The promotion was conducted through a Familiarization Trip (famtrip) themed "Beyond the Barrier: Raja Ampat Awaits!" organized jointly with Katembe Indonesia.

The event ran from November 26 to December 2, 2025, taking participants through Raja Ampat's underwater world while introducing local cultures foundational to the archipelago's way of life.

Made explained this initiative aims to raise awareness and expand exposure of Raja Ampat and other Indonesian marine destinations in the Australian market.

The famtrip was designed to cement Indonesia's image as a primary marine tourism destination, especially for professional divers and the global underwater community.

Four dive industry representatives and an influential Australian underwater photojournalist participated.

Their attendance highlights the Australian market's significant potential—a nation whose citizens grow up close to the ocean and are highly selective about dive spot quality.

Legendary Dive Trails from Blue Magic to Melissa’s Garden

Participants explored Raja Ampat's iconic sites: Mioskon with schooling fish, Friwen Wall adorned with giant sea fans, Batu Lima's intricate coral formations, and Blue Magic with strong currents and oceanic manta sightings.

The journey continued to Sawandarek, Arborek, Manta Sandy, Melissa’s Garden, and Piaynemo.

Cultural immersion enriched their experience. At Arborek Tourism Village, they met the "Papuan Vikings," learning traditions shaped by coexistence with the sea.

From Piaynemo's karst peaks, they witnessed small islands scattered across crystal-clear waters.

All activities were supported by Katembe Indonesia and the Southwest Papua Provincial Government. Participants stayed at Katembe Private Island, a tranquil oasis allowing them to absorb Raja Ampat's nocturnal serenity.

Building Indonesia's Marine Tourism Network

The famtrip concluded with a business networking session at Le Meridien Jakarta, attended by Indonesian marine tourism stakeholders.

Chaired by Assistant Deputy for International Tourism Marketing II Yulia, the meeting included representatives from Katembe Indonesia, Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Office, and associations including PADI, ASITA, IINTOA, and JANGKAR.

Made emphasized this event serves as a pivotal moment to establish Indonesia as a world-class dive destination while supporting the target of attracting 1.8 million Australian tourists, particularly ocean enthusiasts and divers.

Central Statistics Agency data shows over 49% (approximately 820,000) of Australian tourists visited Indonesia in 2024 for marine tourism.

This figure reinforces Indonesia's—and especially Raja Ampat's—position as an underwater magnet for the Australian market. (Antara)